Cartier Showcases Its Magnificent Creativity At The Joburg Art Fair

For the first time in its history, Cartier took part in the FNB Joburg Art Fair. Cartier was front and center supporting the arts through an exhibition of jewellery and watch creations that have never been seen before in South Africa, highlighting the Maison’s creativity, craftsmanship, style and design.

“This is our inaugural year as sponsors of the FNB Joburg Art Fair”, said Cartier Country Manager, Sheila-Anne Johnston. “Cartier has always been a pioneer in promoting the arts. We were driven to support the Art Fair as art and design are part of our identity. The creative spirit of Cartier resonates with that of the Art Fair.”

In addition to its own creations, Cartier collaborated with students from Johannesburg-based art schools: The Artist Proof Studio and The Market Photo Workshop, both schools having acclaimed positions in the Johannesburg art space.

Titled ‘When the Ordinary Becomes Precious’, and inspired by Cartier’s Juste un Clou collection, an exhibition of ten artworks, five from each school, was exhibited in the Cartier lounge. Two winning art pieces were selected by Cartier for their creative interpretation of the free-minded and non-conformist identity of this jewellery collection. Juste un Clou creations magnify the precious qualities of everyday objects in a sublime take on the ordinary; embodying boldness, modernity, and innovation by offering a creative twist on a familiar object.

“Cartier strongly believes in fostering creativity. The choice of these two art forms, photography and professional printmaking, expresses Cartier’s openness to multiple art disciplines, progressive voices and ideas”, said Sheila-Anne Johnston.

In addition to the Juste un Clou collection, exclusive Fine Jewellery creations were available to view in the lounge. These unique pieces offered guests the opportunity to discover the multiple facets of Cartier’s creativity.

The Cartier lounge was designed by Jean du Rand Interiors, who were selected for their creativity and distinctive position at the forefront of interior design in South Africa. “The inspiration for the lounge design comes from the Cartier Juste un Clou collection and the idea ‘When the ordinary becomes precious’”, explained Sheila-Anne Johnston. The custom-designed furniture pieces, which were officially launched for the first time at the fair, are inspired by the timeless sophistication of the Maison Cartier: elegant, luxuriant with subtle, considered detail.

Winners announced

Following an exhibition of artwork created by the students of The Artist Proof Studio and The Market Photo Workshop, entitled “When the Ordinary Becomes Precious” and inspired be the Cartier Juste un Clou collection, Cartier is delighted to announce the winners of the competition. The photographer Bonginkosi Magudulelo and the print artist Lebohang Motaung captured the jury’s imagination with their unique take on the bold, modern and innovative design of the collection. Their works embody the spirit of non-conformity that inspired the original design. Congratulations to both artists.